Scratch Shootout Tournament Rules

 Tournament Format

  • Individual Competition: This is a Singles Event
  • Scratch Scoring: No handicap is applied; scores are based solely on actual pinfall.
  • Games: Each bowler will compete in a minimum of 6 games.
  • Scoring: The total score of all games will determine the bowler’s final standing.
  1. Eligibility
  • Open to All: The tournament is open to all bowlers, regardless of age, gender, or skill level.
  • Registration: Bowlers must register before October 17, 2025. Late registrations will be allowed on a space available and first come first serve basis at and incur a fee of $10.00.
  • Entry Fee: An entry fee must be paid upon registration. This fee is non-refundable.
  1. Tournament Structure
  • Qualifying Round: All registered bowlers will participate in the qualifying round, consisting of 6 games.
  • Finals: The top 16 bowlers with the highest total pinfall from the qualifying round will advance to the bracket play. Qualifying scores will not carry over.
  • Bracket Play: Bracket play will be a Double Elimination, 2 game, total pinfall match play format.
  1. Lane Assignments
  • Random Assignment: Lanes will be a blind draw for the qualifying round.
  • Lane Rotation: Bowlers will move lanes after each game of qualifying. The left lane will move 2 lanes left and the right lane will move 2 lanes right. Ex: Lane 14B would move to Lane 18B.
  • Finals: Lane assignments for Match Play Bracket will be predetermined by tournament officials. Higher-seeded bowlers will have choice of starting lane and who goes first.
  1. Tiebreakers
  • Qualifying Round Ties: In the event of a tie for the final qualifying spot, a one-game roll-off will be used to determine the advancing bowler.
  • Final Round Ties: If there is a tie in the finals, the winner will be determined by a one-frame roll-off. If a tie persists, the roll-off will continue frame by frame until a winner is determined.
  1. Conduct and Sportsmanship
  • Code of Conduct: All tournament bowlers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner while in the bowling center, on the property of the bowling center and on social media.
  • Protests: Any protest or dispute must be submitted in writing to the tournament director within 30 minutes of the incident. The director’s decision is final.
  • Disqualification: Any bowler found cheating, deliberately damaging equipment, or violating the code of conduct will be disqualified from the tournament without a refund.
  1. Equipment
  • Approved Bowling Balls: Only USBC-approved bowling balls are permitted.
  • Ball Inspection: Random ball inspections may be conducted to ensure compliance. Any ball found to be altered or illegal will result in disqualification.
  • Dress Code: Bowlers must wear a collared shirts and slacks/nice jeans (no tears or holes). No offensive or inappropriate attire is allowed.
  1. Prizes
  • Prize Fund: The prize fund will be distributed among the top finishers based on the number of entries. Top 12 with 60 entries and Top 16 with 72 entries or above.
  • Awards: $50.00 High Game bonus will be awarded to the bowler with the highest game for each of the 6 qualifying games. All tournament place finishers will be paid out by check at the conclusion of the tournament.
  1. Tournament Director Authority
  • Rule Interpretation: The tournament director has the final say in the interpretation of rules and the resolution of disputes.
  • Rule Changes: The director reserves the right to make changes to the tournament format or rules, if necessary, with notice provided to all participants.
  1. Miscellaneous
  • Check-In: Bowlers must check in at least 30 minutes before the tournament start time.
  • Practice: A 15-minute practice session will be provided before the start of the competition.
  • Timing: Bowlers are expected to be ready to bowl when it is their turn. Excessive delays may result in penalties.